IELTS Writing Sample #111
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people say the government should not put money into building
theatres and sports stadiums; they should spend more money on medical care and
education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
You should write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
model answer:
What would the world be like without Shakespeare or the Olympics? While medical
care and education are perhaps the highest causes to which money can be
contributed, the arts and athletics are in some ways just as valuable. So, to
ask the government to not extend support to these two areas could be just as
detrimental to the welfare of society as the lack of sufficient health care and
education.
The Romans believed in “mens sana in corpore sano”. In short, that there is
indeed a correlation between a healthy body and healthy mind. When we are
healthy, we feel better and so are more likely to be productive academically.
Plus, the practice of sports can also teach us the very same discipline we need
for our studies. Why even a brisk walk or watching an exciting athletic match
can refresh the mind for greater work. Moreover, sports can serve to create
healthier bodies, which in turn would serve as a form of “preventive medicine”
thereby cutting down on medical costs. In the same vein, the arts are known to
induce a sense of well-being in performers and audience alike, reducing mental
problems and their associated physical manifestations and again, medical costs.
As such, building theatres and stadiums, which spur interest in the arts and
sports respectively, actually would be practically identical to spending money
on medical care and education!
Now I realize the question specifically addresses the building of theatres and
sports stadiums by government. Some people would contend athletics and the arts
can still be enjoyed and practiced without such constructions. I would hazard
that these buildings stand as the altars to the sports and arts worlds,
inspiring would-be athletes and performers. Without such venues where would
sports spectators and music aficionados be able to enjoy these events? Now some
other people would also say business could support their construction, but we
know the avarice of business could very likely jeopardize the lofty spirit of
athletics and the arts just as well. Therefore, allowing government to retain
some say in the matter on behalf of the people would, I believe, be in the best
interest of the people.
In short, as long as the government does no go overboard in its expenditures for
these buildings and uses such venues for the benefit of all, then, as mentioned
above, people will benefit in terms of both medical care and education as well.
This is not to say the government should neglect medical care and education, but
rather to think of this not as an either-or choice but as a win-win situation
for all.
(434 words)